Lingnan University in Hong Kong has set up a new School of Data Science in a move designed to lead the next wave of digital developments in the higher education sector.
The objective is to offer a range of interdisciplinary programmes from bachelor’s degree to PhD level, with a focus on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and all aspects of data science. Each course will also emphasise the importance of critical and strategic thinking skills, with a view to making the school a centre for research partnerships and positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for innovation and technology.
According to Lingnan’s President S. Joe Qin, the goal is to pioneer understanding and use of AI and, in doing so, to become Asia’s leading liberal arts research university in the digital era.
At a special plaque-unveiling ceremony to mark the establishment of the new school, the attendees included notable figures from government, academia, and business.
Professor Dong Sun, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, took the opportunity to commend Lingnan’s initiative, noting that it was the beginning of a new chapter which would see greater integration of the arts, humanities and sciences. This, he said, is the future direction of higher education, as data-related expertise becomes indispensable and demand for talent with diverse skills and attributes continues to rise.
Looking ahead, new programmes which specifically address these needs will help to drive economic growth and ensure Hong Kong remains highly competitive in a fast-changing world. With that in mind, Lingnan is introducing a new common core course in generative AI for all first-year undergraduates as from the 2024/25 academic year. This will give students the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to make best use of the latest technology, while also covering methods of evaluation and key ethical considerations.
Programmes Offered:
Undergraduate:
LEO Dr David P. Chan Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science
Minor Programme in Data Science
Common Core Course in the Core Curriculum: Generative Artificial Intelligence
Taught Postgraduate:
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics (MScAIBA)
Master of Science in Data Science (MScDS)
Master of Science in Industrial Data Analytics (MScIDA, to be offered in 2025/26)
Master of Science in Smart City Technologies and Applications (MScSCTA, to be offered in 2025/26)
Research Postgraduate:
M.Phil./Ph.D. Programme in Data Science (to be offered in 2025/26)
Explore more: https://www.ln.edu.hk/sds/programmes-and-courses